Ferroelectric X-Ray Generator (FLEX)

To address the DMEA need for rapid x-ray inspection of large volumes of integrated circuits (ICs), Luminit, LLC, proposes to develop a new compact, high-brilliance x-ray source: the Ferroelectric X-Ray Generator (FLEX). This proposed device is based on an innovative combination of a ferroelectric, photogalvanic crystal combined with an undulator. The innovation in the physical principles of compact ferroelectric accelerators, using photogalvanic and pyroelectric effects, and undulators will enable the portable FLEX to produce high-brilliance electron and x-ray beams, focusable to a spot with a diameter between 5 m and 50 m by a lobster-eye x-ray lens, using an external light source. During Phase I, Luminit will optimize the FLEX design and fabricate a small demonstration prototype at technology readiness level (TRL) 4. In Phase II we will further develop the FLEX, ending with a TRL 5-6 engineering prototype that will form the basis of Phase III production.